Rowlesburg is a town in southern Preston County, West Virginia, United States, along the Cheat River.

[5] A former railroad town, it is home to the Downtown Rowlesburg Historic District, and was the site of action during the American Civil War.

[7] During the American Civil War, its two Baltimore and Ohio Railroad bridges crossing the Cheat River and Tray Run were of great strategic importance.

However, Union troops and townsmen called out of their churches on Sunday morning, April 26, 1863, successfully defended the town and "Lincoln's lifeline," so General William E. Jones retreated and later court-martialed a subordinate.

[10] At Rowlesburg, the Cheat River is considered to be at flood stage when the gauge height is 16 feet.

32.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the town was 98.53% White, 0.16% African American, 0.33% Asian, and 0.98% from two or more races.

33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.